The design for the Guggenheim Helsinki seeks to transform a barren industrial site between the city and sea into a dynamic urban place of culture and ideas. Global in its reach but specific to its local climate and building culture, the museum design draws inspiration from nature and traditional Finnish building materials to create an art experience which is engaging and accessible, and expressive of Nordic ideals.

Inspired by the cellular structure of indigenous wood, the design proposes a spatial organization of flexibly adaptive art gallery spaces and integrated outdoor exhibition areas. Informed by Finnish building traditions and leveraging the capabilities of the Finnish lumber industry, the design seeks to create a monument integrated with its urban maritime context, a place of ideas which brings together nature and building, people and culture.